When we think of wall treatments, our minds almost immediately run to paint and, for some of us, to wallpaper. When Hildi drew up her battle plan for this bedroom, however, she proclaimed nyet to both options, and decided instead to cover all four walls — plus the cathedral ceiling — with sky blue fabric.

Using fabric to cover walls and ceilings has a long tradition throughout the world. It is not a project that most homeowners would want to rush into without carefully considering the pros and cons, but it is certainly one that most do-it-yourselfers can handle once they put their minds to it.

Fabric allows you to introduce colors, patterns and textures into a room that paint and most wallpaper cannot provide. On the other hand, cleaning fabric-covered walls may present some challenges. I would not use this treatment in a kitchen, or in any room where active kids would be frequent visitors. Regular vacuuming would be wise, as would choosing a fabric that could be cleaned with a soapy sponge. Dark colors and complex patterns would also hide dirt and stains better than light, solid colors.

Shopping List
Fabric
Staple gun and lots of long staples
Bias tape or other trim
Glue gun and glue sticks